Brady & Autumn Dove

I smiled and shook my head "Be nice, Brady."

"Aren't I always?"

"Oh, yeah. You're a real gem."

"Mmhm, that's why you love me right?" I teased and kissed her.

"Exactly." I smiled and took his hand in mine.

I smiled and kissed her back then put my arm around her and leading her to Winter's.

I went to mom and dad's cabin. I was about to knock but didn't even know what I would say, didn't even know what I'd gone there for. I sat on the ground and leaned back against the wall, staring off into space.

I thought I had heard footsteps on the porch but then everything was silent. Curious I went over to the door and opened it up a little. Light spilled out and I spotted Chad sitting there silently. "Chad? Is everything alright?"

I looked up at her then looked back down and shrugged a little. "I... I don't know," I said quietly. "Can I... can I talk to you?"

"Of course, you can." I stepped outside and closed the door gently behind me and then sat down beside of him. "What's wrong, sweetie?"

I didn't say anything for a few minutes, not sure how to put it into words. When I finally opened my mouth, I surprised myself at what came out. I realized it was true though. "Why do I still feel so empty?" I asked quietly.

"Because love hurts. I felt the same way when I was separated from your Dad and I never thought I'd get to see him, you or Winter again. I felt like I was walking around without a soul for a long time."

"That's how I feel... like I don't even want to try anymore. Because the person that mattered most to me... is gone now. I was supposed to protect her... her and Feather and... I let them get killed... right in front of me.... Why did they have to be there? Why couldn't he just... leave us alone? They didn't do anything wrong. It should've been me. Not them."

"It shouldn't have been any of you. It was me he wanted and he knew deep down that he'd never have me. He had me in body and that was it, and it angered him more than anything. He wanted to punish us and I'm so sorry for that."

"Sorry for what? It's not your fault. None of it was your fault. I wrapped my arms around myself, digging my nails into my arms. "I want her back... I want her back and... she's not coming back. It hurts Mom... it hurts so damn bad," I said and blinked back tears.

I wrapped my arms around him and held him "It's alright to cry, Chad. You have to let it all out somehow and you know I'm always here for you. I love you so much. Seeing you in so much pain hurts me too."

My throat was too tight to speak so I just nodded and leaned into her when she pulled me tighter to her. I let one tear out and that was all it took. It was like a flood opened and before I knew it I was sobbing.

I held him close and let him cry. As much as it hurt to see him so upset he needed this. He needed to get it out. Even if it took all night, I'd set right here.

I'd been watching from the window. I sighed and let the curtain fall and went to sit on the couch. It killed me to see him like that and as much as I wanted to go to him, I held back for now. He needed this time with Dove. He wouldn't cry in front of me.



I cried until I thought I couldn't anymore, then cried some more. When I finally finished I stayed right where I was, wrapping my arms around her and hugging her back. "I'm sorry. Damn I... got your shirt all wet," I mumbled.

"Oh, please. I'm not worried about a wet shirt. You did used to poop and pee on me you know."

I managed a small smile and wiped my tears before sitting up. "I've never cried over it. Guess I had a lot of tears bottled up. Doesn't change anything though. She's still gone and I still don't want to move on."

"I know you did...you get that from me." I said and kissed his temple "Don't worry about moving on until you're ready, you'll know when you are. But in the meantime you should really start coming around more. You should stay tonight and let me fix you something to eat."

I nodded. "I know I should. I will. I promise." I hesitated for a minute but I couldn't deny how good that sounded. I'd really missed Mom's cooking. "I'd... I'd like that. I haven't eaten today."

"Your Dad will be happy to see you." I smiled and took his hand "Come on."

I nodded and stood up with her and we went in the house. "Hey Dad," I said quietly when I seen him sitting on the couch.



I smiled at him. I could tell he'd been crying and it broke my heart, but I didn't say anything about it. "Hey Son. It's really good to see you," I said and went to him, hugging him hard. "When's the last time you ate? I can practically here your stomach growling."